Budgeting for your getaway
When we think about getting away, we think about travelling abroad; going to the UK, or Australia, or Thailand. After long, tiring, semesters, it’s natural to want to get away from Guelph and away from your normal routine. But many people just can’t afford a plane ticket and the associated costs of a big trip. If you’ve found a full-time job in town for the summer, it can even be hard to get time off to get away. There is so much to explore within this city, within this province. If you feel like you need a getaway this summer, consider trading the trip abroad for something a little closer to home.
Check out places close to home. Don’t overlook the beauty that exists within Ontario. Besides Guelph Lake, there are a number of options within a short drive where you can go and check out for a nice weekend away. The Rockwood Conservation Area is about a 15 minute drive from the university and is great for outdoor sports, whether that be hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, cave exploring, or rock climbing. Even if you’re not into outdoor sports, it’s great to spend some time outside, appreciating what nature has to offer. If you’ve been to Rockwood recently, head over to the Elora Gorge, Belwood Lake Conservation Area, or Hilton Falls Conservation Area – or do a quick Google search for a variety of other options.
Consider camping. While couch surfing and hostels can be an inexpensive way to travel, camping is something that is so often overlooked. Grab a few friends, rent a campsite, grab your bathing suit, and head out. If you don’t have a tent, you can rent one from Mountain Equipment Co-op for less than twenty dollars. The more people you have to split the costs with, the lower they are. MEC allows you to rent all kinds of camping gear (sleeping bags included) so you can ensure that your weekend getaway involves minimal spending.
You can have a true cottage experience. Renting a cottage or trailer for the weekend can be less expensive if you split the costs among a group of friends. There’s nothing better than going away and spending some time on a lake with late-night campfires, and you can have this experience along with a comfy bed if you’re just not the camping type. The bonus of renting a cottage is that if you find one in Muskoka or Algonquin, you get the road trip with friends, generally complete with 90’s pop sing-alongs — which is the best way to get away, if you ask me.
Actually saving for the trip. While you’re working these long hours and spending even longer hours sipping patio beers outside your favourite bar in Guelph, consider opening a TFSA at your bank and putting some money away. This account can be for your trip, a new car, or even a future down-payment on your house – it’s your call. Take a look at how much you’re spending on those patio beers. When the waitress comes back to ask you if you’d like another and when the idea of one more beer just isn’t as enticing as the last one was, say no thanks. Take the money you just saved by not buying the beer and throw it in your TFSA. Sometimes this can add up to $20 per month, sometimes it adds up to $20 per week. The bonus is cash money in your pocket. Saving this money means more weekends away and more financial stability for your future.